candle light

When I was growing up my parents started a tradition that I hope continues on for generations. Each Valentine’s Day my mom would pull out the fine china, sparkle up the silver candelabras and we would dine by candle light. The entire family had to be present and if we had a date they were invited to come. This was smart thinking on the parent’s part. They could keep their eyes on all four of their teenage children. We usually eat a variety of meats including lamb as well as other family favorites. Lamb Chops are one of our favorites and there are oh so many easy ways to cook them.

4 Loin or Rib Chops
1tsp. Cumin
1Tbl Kosher Salt
1Tbl Black pepper
1Tbls Garlic powder
1tsp. Mrs. Dash (original)
1tsp Tony Chacheres

Mix together the spices and pat each chop into the mixture. Be sure the entire chop is coated on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and then throw them on the grill. You can also cook them in the cast iron skillet. Recommended internal temperature for lamb is 145°F. Remove the chops from the grill and cover with foil for 10 minutes. This will allow the chops to cook a bit more and be even more mouth watering. When cooking a chop think of it as a steak and you will be just fine.

Fun nutritional facts: A fresh look at lamb’s nutritional profile

There is nothing better than flavor you can feel good about. American Lamb is the perfect combination: deliciously flavorful and nutrient-rich. If you are trying to improve your diet and do not want to compromise taste, consider American Lamb. It’s a tasty and healthy alternative to other meats and proteins lamb is lean

On average, a 3-ounce serving of lamb has only 175 calories and meets the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) definition for lean. According to FDA guidelines, lean meat has less than 10 grams of fat, less than 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams (or 3.5 ounces)

As the below information indicates, 3 ounces of lamb can easily fit within the daily fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

FDA DEFINITION OF LEAN

(per 100 grams or 3.5 ounces) AVERAGE VALUE FOR 3-OUNCE COOKED PORTION OF LAMB
10 g total fat 8 g total fat
4.5 g saturated fat 3 g saturated fat
100 mg cholesterol 80 mg cholesterol

Lamb is nutrient rich

Because lamb naturally contains many essential nutrients, it is an easy fit for healthy diets. On average, lamb is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and selenium while still being a good source of iron and riboflavin. All of this within an average of 175 calories per 3-ounce serving makes lamb naturally nutrient-rich.
*information is from the American Lamb Board

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